Otter Gifts

Otters have long, slim bodies and relatively short limbs,
with webbed paws. Most have sharp claws on their feet, and
all except the sea otter have long muscular tails. They have
a very soft, insulated underfur which is protected by their
outer layer of long guard hair. This traps a layer of air,
and keeps them dry and warm under water.

River Otter Facts

River Otter Facts

River otters have streamlined, serpent like bodies.
River otters have flexible bodies which allow them to
easily groom themselves. River otters have four relatively
short legs, that allow them to swim, walk and manipulate
prey. They have webbed digits and strong, non-retractile
claws on all four feet. River otters are 34-60 inches
long and weigh between 7-30 lbs. The largest river otter
is the North American River Otter at 39-60 inches long,
while the smallest river otter is the Marine Otter which
is typically 34-45 inches long.

Both male and female river otters form separate dominance
hierarchies. River Otters eat crayfsih, crabs, fishes
and frogs. River otters may also occasionally prey on
birds, rodents and rabbits. River otters eat 15-20%
of their body weigh every day.

River Otters can remain under water for up to 8 minutes.
River Otters can travel long distances over land, they
can “run” on land up to 29 mph. River Otters can be
either diurnal or nocturnal, more often than not they
are active at night.

Male and female river otters become sexually mature
after two to three years but they do not typically reproduce
until they are five to seven years old. River Otters
gestation is about two months. River Otter pups weigh
4.6 oz. River Otters are born helpless and spend their
first several weeks sleeping and nursing in the den.